Similar Drugs

Progesterone, sold under the brand name Prometrium, is used to treat
overgrowth of the lining of the uterus.

It's also prescribed to treat a lack of periods caused by stress, birth
control, and other circumstances.

Progesterone belongs to a group of drugs known as hormone replacement
therapy (HRT), which works by increasing or â€œreplacingâ€ levels of
hormones that your
body may not have or make enough of in order to carry out certain
bodily functions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved progesterone in
1998, under the brand name Prometrium, manufactured by Abbvie, which
was once part of
Abbott Pharmaceuticals.

Progesterone Warnings

You should not take progesterone if you:

Are allergic to progesterone or any of its inactive
ingredients

Have a history of blood clots, including acute
thrombophlebitis or
thromeboemoblic disease

Have breast or genital cancer

Have liver disease

Have had an abortion or ectopic pregnancy

Have lost consciousness or ability to function normally
after a
stroke

Have bleeding problems

Talk to your doctor before taking progesterone if you have:

A family history of blood clots

A family history of breast cancer

A history of depression

A history of endometriosis, a condition in which the lining
of the
uterus grows in places in body other than the uterus

Kidney problems

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Bone metabolic disease

High blood pressure

If you are about to have major surgery and are taking progesterone, be
sure to tell your doctor because you may need to stop taking
progesterone about four
weeks prior to your surgery.

People who are bedridden, paralyzed, or do not move around very much
are more prone to developing blood clots, so talk to your doctor before
taking
progesterone if either of these situations apply to you.

Women who are older than 65 and have finished menopause should avoid
progesterone because it puts you at increased risk for dementia.

Pregnancy and Progesterone

Progesterone is a pregnancy category B drug, which means it's generally
safe to take during pregnancy.

Regardless, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant before taking this or any other medication.

You should also alert your physician if you are breastfeeding or plan
to breastfeed. It's uncertain whether progesterone is safe for
breastfeeding mothers.

Progesterone Pictures

Progesterone FAQ

Q: I was wondering if there are any over-the-counter progesterone creams that work?

A: Over-the-counter (OTC) progesterone creams, usually sold as natural products or supplements, are not evaluated by FDA; therefore, they have not been approved for safe and effective treatment of medical conditions. Always read and follow the complete directions and warnings on OTC products and discuss their use with your health care provider before using them. You may also find helpful information at: http://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/.

Q: Could you please tell me the "cons" of progesterone. Are there any harmful side effects?

A: Progesterone is available in several different forms including pills to be taken by mouth, tablets to be inserted into the vagina, and as an injectable medicine. Progesterone also has many uses for female health and regulation of ovulation and menstruation. The most common side effects of progesterone are bloating, breast tenderness, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, heartburn, acne, increased hair growth, vaginal itching or dryness, irritability, muscle pain, nausea, stomach pain or cramping, and vomiting. In addition, some progesterone products contain peanut oil; these products should not be taken by people who are allergic to peanuts. Progesterone may affect blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes. Progesterone may increase the risk of developing blood clots. Patients need to notify their healthcare practitioner if they will be having surgery or be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight). Progesterone should only be used during pregnancy if directed by a physician. If a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, they should consult with her doctor or healthcare practitioner to discuss any potential risks to the baby. For more information, see http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/progesterone.
Michelle McDermott, PharmD

Q: I'm considering taking progesterone. Could you please tell me the "cons" of the medication? Are there any harmful side effects?

A: Progesterone is available in several different forms including pills to be taken by mouth, tablets to be inserted into the vagina, and as an injectable medicine. Progesterone also has many uses for female health and regulation of ovulation and menstruation. The most common side effects of progesterone are bloating, breast tenderness, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, heartburn, acne, increased hair growth, vaginal itching or dryness, irritability, muscle pain, nausea, stomach pain or cramping, and vomiting. In addition, some progesterone products contain peanut oil; these products should not be taken by people who are allergic to peanuts. Progesterone may affect blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes. Progesterone may increase the risk of developing blood clots. Patients need to notify their healthcare practitioner if they will be having surgery or be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight). Progesterone should only be used during pregnancy if directed by a physician. If a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, they should consult with their doctor or healthcare practitioner to discuss any potential risks to the baby. For more information, please consult with your healthcare provider and visit http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/progesterone. Michelle McDermott, PharmD

A: According to the package insert, the most common side effects of oral progesterone that occurred in more than 5 percent of patients during clinical studies were dizziness, breast pain, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, viral infection, abdominal distention, musculoskeletal pain, emotional lability, irritability, and upper respiratory tract infection. Increased liver enzymes have been reported rarely since the drug has been on the market. For more information, please contact your health care provider. You are encouraged to report any negative side effects of prescription drugs to your health care practitioner and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Michelle McDermott, PharmD

Q: Can progesterone cause weight gain?

A: Drugs can cause weight gain in several different ways. Some can increase appetite or make you crave certain types of foods like those high in carbohydrates or fat. Other medications may slow down metabolism or cause fluid retention. However, the effect of prescription drugs on body weight is complex. Some drugs have no effect on weight, while others cause weight gain or weight loss. Also, the same medications can cause weight gain in certain individuals and weight loss in others. There are also drugs that initially cause weight loss and then lead to weight gain with long-term use. Most prescription medications associated with changes in body weight affect the central nervous system. These include antidepressants like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid), antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants have also been linked with weight gain. Other drugs that have been reported to cause weight gain include diabetes medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones), antihypertensive drugs, certain hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids, antihistamines, some chemotherapy regimens, and antiretroviral protease inhibitors. Progesterone has been reported to possibly cause weight gain or weight loss. If you think a drug you are taking is causing weight gain, tell your health care provider. Do not stop any medication or change the dose without first talking to your provider. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Laura Cable, PharmD

Q: How safe is progesterone 200 mg to take daily?

A: Hormone replacements, such as Prometrium (progesterone) can be useful during menopause to relieve symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances, but there are risks that come with them. Studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke when using female hormones. Prometrium 200 mg has been approved by the FDA and is usually given as a single dose at bedtime for 12 days sequentially per 28-day cycle, to postmenopausal women with a uterus who are also taking estrogen tablets. In other cases, 400 mg is given nightly for 10 days. It is given to prevent estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus, which could result in a higher risk for uterine cancer. Common side effects may include headache, breast tenderness or pain, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, muscle, joint, or bone pain, mood swings, irritability, excessive worrying, runny nose, sneezing, cough, vaginal discharge, and problem urinating. Hormone replacement therapy is not meant to be taken on a permanent basis. After the symptoms of menopause are gone, the hormones should be stopped, due the their risks. Some women do not experience symptoms of menopause, and if you do not have problems with symptoms, you probably do not need to be taking the hormones. Factors that influence menopause and how long it will last include genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress, general health, and cultural perspective. Some symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms, may persist into postmenopause, but most diminish and disappear within 12 months of the last period. After that, your doctor may decide to discontinue the hormone treatment. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action.
Patti Brown, PharmD

Q: Is there research to support that progesterone treatment increases bone health?

A: Progesterone is a female hormone that is important for ovulation and menstruation. It is given to balance the effects of estrogen, another female hormone. Estrogen is the hormone used to ease the symptoms of menopause and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen can be given by itself to a woman who has had a hysterectomy and no longer has a uterus. However, when estrogen is given to a woman with a uterus, the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can build up over time and increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Progesterone is given to allow the endometrial cells to shed, similar to a menstrual cycle, which decreases the risk of endometrial cancer. A search of the medical literature did not result in information about the effective use of progesterone alone to prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor or gynecologist is best able to guide your treatment decisions based on your specific circumstances. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action.
Sarah Lewis, RPh, PharmD

Q: I am prescribed progesterone in an attempt to shrink my uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. After my period (red blood flow), I now have had 8 days (and counting) of dark discharge. I think it is old blood. I was wondering, and hoping, if this discharge was the fibroids dissolving. I phoned my doctor's office and spoke with the nurse and she did not know.

A: I have reviewed the available literature on your question regarding progesterone. The physiological action of progesterone in this case would be to shrink the fibroid, which means that it would be reabsorbed into the body. The progesterone would not cause the dark discharge and would not cause the fibroid to "dissolve." If this continues much longer, I would recommend that you make an appointment to see your physician. You may want to view the information on uterine fibroids on Everyday Health at http://www.everydayhealth.com/PublicSite/searchresultsdynamic.aspx?q=uterine%20fibroids For any immediate concerns, consult your physician. Joseph Hall, RPh

Q: How long should you use natural herb creams for menopause relief? I just stopped after five years because I had read somewhere that you should stop, and now my hot flashes are coming back and I am considering going back on the creams.

A: A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1999 found that natural progesterone cream significantly reduced hot flashes compared to the placebo group. In The Wisdom of Menopause, Dr. Christiane Northrup says that a 2 percent progesterone skin cream works in about 85 percent of perimenopausal women. A little as 1/4 tsp once per day can ease hot flashes. Make sure that you read the labels of natural progesterone cream products careful as there is great variability of progesterone content. Some creams contain less than 5 mg progesterone per ounce, whereas others contain more than 400 mg progesterone per ounce. This can be obtained over the counter or by prescription. I have not found any studies that indicate it should be discontinued over a certain time frame.

Q: Can progesterone be used to stop excessive bleeding during perimenopause?

A: In most cases, heavy vaginal bleeding is related to abnormal hormone levels that upset the menstrual cycle. This condition is called anovulatory dysfunctional bleeding and is caused by a low level of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary for the ovary to release the egg as well as regulating menstrual bleeding. Low progesterone causes irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding and is common during perimenopause. Progesterone has been shown to help prevent overgrowth of the endometrium (irregular breakdown of the endometrium is often the cause of heavy bleeding) and prevents dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The use of progesterone in women who are not ovulating regularly, helps to maintain a more predictable menstrual cycle. Lori Poulin, PharmD

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